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Install PEX Water Lines — Running New PEX Lines

Intermediate40 hours

Part of project

How to Replace Grey Polybutylene Pipe with PEX · Step 6 of 10

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In this video

The presenter prepares for and installs the PEX water supply lines. Using a drill with a 5/8-inch auger bit, he drills two holes through the wooden bottom plate of the wall, one for the hot and one for the cold line, aligning them below the corresponding inlets on the outlet box. He feeds the red and blue PEX pipes up through the holes. For each line, he slides a 1/2-inch stainless steel crimp ring onto the pipe. He then pushes the end of the PEX pipe fully onto the brass barb fitting of the valve. He positions the crimp ring about 1/8 of an inch from the base of the fitting. Using a PEX crimping tool, he squeezes the handles until the tool fully closes, which compresses the ring and secures the pipe to the fitting, creating a permanent, leak-proof connection. He repeats the process for the second water line.

Goal: Connect the hot and cold PEX water lines to the outlet box valves

  • Ensure the PEX pipe is fully seated on the barb fitting before crimping the ring.
  • Position the crimp ring 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the end of the pipe to allow for proper compression without damaging the fitting.

Used in this video

  • Cordless Drill (brand: Ridgid, Tool Type: Power Tools, Power Source: Battery) — Drilling holes for the PEX pipes.
  • Auger Drill Bit (brand: Unbranded, Material: Metal, Size/Dimensions: 5/8 inch) — Drilling clean holes in the wood frame.
  • PEX Crimping Tool (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual) — Securing crimp rings onto PEX pipes and fittings.
  • Pliers (brand: Unbranded, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Power Source: Manual) · optional — Temporarily holding the crimp ring in place before using the crimping tool.
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FAQs

Given the 40-hour estimate, is a whole-house PEX repipe truly an 'intermediate' DIY project, or should I hire a professional?

While labeled intermediate, this project demands significant time, precision, and adherence to plumbing codes. It's suitable for experienced DIYers comfortable with tools and problem-solving, but if you're unsure about the complexity or time commitment, consulting a licensed plumber is advisable, especially for main supply connections and final inspections.

What are the most crucial safety precautions I must take when replacing polybutylene pipes with PEX?

Always shut off and thoroughly drain the main water supply before starting. Wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection, and ensure good ventilation if soldering is required for main tie-ins. Be cautious when cutting into existing lines to prevent accidental damage or uncontrolled water release, and always have a plan for containing potential leaks.

The project lists specific PEX tools like crimp tools and cutters. Are these absolutely essential, or are there budget-friendly alternatives?

Yes, specialized PEX tools such as a PEX pipe cutter and a crimp/clamp tool are essential for making reliable, leak-free connections. While there are different brands and price points, investing in quality PEX-specific tools is crucial for successful installation. Avoid using standard tools for PEX connections, as they can lead to costly leaks and system failures.

What are common mistakes DIYers make during PEX installation, particularly with crimp connections, and how can they be avoided?

Common mistakes include improper crimp ring placement, not fully deburring cut pipes, and over-tightening manifold connections. Always ensure the crimp ring is correctly positioned over the fitting's barb, deburr all pipe ends to prevent leaks, and follow manufacturer guidelines for manifold valve torque. Testing sections of the system as you go can help catch issues early.

Transcript
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And now that we're secure we need to work on installing these pressure lines. Let's get to it. Now you need to get a five eight since drill bit and a drill to accommodate half inch pipe because we're going to have to put the pipe down through the floor in this case. So what you need to do to transcribe the marks is measure off your stud looks like we've got six inches and eight and three eights. So we need transcribe that off the stud on the floor to go down below. So we're going to measure over six inches and eight and three eights. We're going to make a mark. All right. And as you notice from above and this drain is kind of back towards inside this wall we got to keep our pressure lines out towards the front of this plate. So we're going to go back just about three quarters of an inch here. Now it's time to install our pecs. This is pecs type B and this is going to get crimper rings on it and we're going to use the red color for the hot side and the blue color for the red side. So all we got to do is get our half inch crimper rings. Slide them over the pipe first just like that. And now we just slide it up over the fitting like so. And we try to stay about eight inch down from the end of that fitting. And now what I like to do I just take a pair of pliers and just crimp it on enough to hold into place just so it doesn't slide around. Then I take my crimping tool and then it's going to crimp that ring on there tight and it's never going to come off unless you cut it off. Okay. And now we're going to do the same thing with our hot side. Slide it over. Get it about an eighth inch from the fitting. And like I said, I like to use my needle nose to crimp it on temporarily and then we're going to go ahead and get that one fastened. Boom. So now we got a fitting that is never going to have a leak unless improperly installed.

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